Local airline services on Wednesday said that there was no extra pressure of homebound passengers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha compared to previous years on various domestic destinations.
Officials of three air operators said the pressure of holidaymakers was normal on domestic routes due to an increase in Covid-19 infection rates, post flood situation, Padma Bridge opening and Eid holidays.
US-Bangla Airlines General Manager (Public Relations) Kamrul Islam told Dhaka Tribune: “Compared to the previous year, we are getting less response from Eid-bound passengers.”
“We are operating regular flights on all domestic routes as per passengers’ demand except Saidpur and Rajshahi. But we did not go for additional flights,” he added.
According to Novoair, 30 flights will operate on all domestic routes, including four flights to Saidpur and two flights on the Rajshahi route.
The airline also offered Tk3,000 off on all routes for those who wanted to travel to Dhaka from various destinations.
For its part, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has added 58 additional flights (round trip) on different domestic routes due to passengers’ demand with regard to Eid-ul-Azha, said Biman spokesperson Tahera Khandaker.
Usually, the airline operates 95 flights a week on domestic routes.
The airline started operating its additional flights on domestic routes from July 5.
There will be nine additional flights on the Saidpur route (18 on round trip), eight on the Jessore route (16 on round trip), six on the Barisal route (12 on round trip), and additional six flights on the Rajshahi route (12 on round trip).
Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam, executive director of Dhaka Airport, said security measures had been stepped up to ensure hassle-free air travel so that passengers could reach their destinations safely.